Accessories

Get Framed

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Warby Parker sunglasses

Going head-on into summer, although mother nature doesn’t want to agree, we are nearing beach days, sand dunes, and possibly hammocks. Gone are the socks, the formal affairs, the heavy layers. Bright sunshine is a big part of this equation and protecting your eyes, while letting loose a little, is an issue we all relate to very well. Summer also means a time to invest in a new pair of shades.

I know you’re probably wondering why the heck in the pic featured above, I am wearing a hat and a sweater? It’s May, you fool. This photo was taken a few months ago, and I will say here that sunglasses are required all-year long no matter the season. So I will swap out that seater for a tank top, and that cap for a lighter weight fedora.

When I buy sunglasses, like the pair above, I like to try them on. At home in my own mirror. I recently tried Warby Parker’s boutique-quality eyewear which offers great price points. Warby Parker minimizes the risk of buying a pair of frames that don’t fit one’s face with this Home Try-on feature; they sent me five frames to test at no cost (as long as they’re returned promptly).  Recently quoted as being the “Netflix of eyewear,” (there is free shipping and 30-day returns on all frames), the company also offers a wide selection of shades that range in design from old-school tortoise to light-weight titanium.  Warby Parker is so hip it hurts. See below for verification.

Screen Shot 2013-05-19 at 5.24.37 PMWarby Parker eyewear.

Starting at top left: Winston, Tenley, Madison, Jasper. All available for 95 bucks.

Their newest collection 1922, which recently made an appearance, reminds me of Great Gatsby spending fluorescent-lit days dreaming of champagne-fueled nights. I like the clear injection of fun and quirkiness that their glasses have to offer. A whimsical mix at a great price. Still not convinced? Head over to the brand new New York store and see what I mean.

Blogs need eyeballs. Eyeballs need glasses. And in case you’re wondering, this is not a paid ad. Now go get framed.

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5 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , , ,

Adorn Me

I’ve never wanted to get additional ear piercings, because I was too afraid I’d regret it later, never had the desire for unnecessary pain by needle, and wasn’t that into punk. Frankly, I have a hard time drawing attention to the side of my head, namely my hairline. But it is really hard to ignore my recent appreciation of the single earring and hair jewelry happening right now in the accessories world. Piercing on all counts, is definitely a hallmark of punk style – in a safety-pin through the ear kind of way. Even if I consider a delicate piercing, it is out of the question for me, as my children delicately told me they would disown me if I were to pierce any body part. While I still fantasize in some way about going through with it, and regret my 19-year-old self bailing on the prospect, (I have truly seen too many horror stories) my ear cartilage is happy to be in tact.

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Pamela Love head piece, Mara Hoffman runway show spring 2013

Edgy and modern Generation Xers are constantly searching for something new. With their ears, lips, nose, and others piercings already adorned, they are on the hunt for the next body adornment. Not part of Generation X nor Y, with all the offerings available now, I am happy to say that you don’t need to pierce a body part to get the look. Why not try a toe ring this summer?  Or jump into hair jewelry, or the single unmatched earring in a hole that is already pierced? Obviously Claire’s does the ball and chain thing pretty nicely for the under-13 set, but I have a new-found appreciation for all things delicate and simple. With a downtown edge. No needless needles going through my body required.

Today on The Fashion Hunter, we celebrate the adornments sans needles and the temporary fix to get just the decoration your ear and head is looking for. The key to decorating your limbs is to mix and match a me with a spiked cuff, and watch all those single eyes widen.

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From top left: all links are optimized for your shopping pleasure. Why don’t you try a cloud and lip? A star and me? Your choice of the 11 things for the win.

1. Max & Chloe Nolan Chain black diamond chain cuff earring, $340.00

2. BCBGMAXAZRIA chain elastic headband, $48.00

3. Nasty Gal Hematite spiked ear cuff, $25.00

4. Maison Michel ‘Liberty’ Studded headband, 651.00

5. Delfina Delettrez Eye ball in gold/pearl/enamel single earring, $575.00

6. RP Encore single ear crow earring, $100.

7. Perfect for spring “It can’t rain all the time” single earring by Delfina Delettrez who lends us her sense of humor on our lobes, $320.00

8. Jacquie Aiche Ball chain ear cuff, $165.00

9. Jennifer Fisher star mini star and moon with pave diamonds, $1,200

10. Jennifer Meyer me stud in rose gold, $275.00 to mix your messages on a daily basis, $275.

11. Anni Jurgenson ear cuff with gold-plated spikes, $47.00

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9 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mother’s Day

I recently asked a handful of the chicest moms I know to tell me about their dream Mother’s Day gifts. The common theme? Jewelry, homemade breakfast in bed, and some sleep. I can totally relate to that and the older my kids get, the more I just want the sleep portion of the day, and some good hugs, rather that anything else. With each passing year, my understanding of what it means to be a mother deepens, gets challenged and teaches me more and more about myself. Even with the joys, trials, and tribulations of motherhood, given life’s circumstances, there is no way I would trade it for the world. Today and throughout the weekend, The Fashion Hunter is dedicating this to all the beautiful mothers in the world, especially my own.

As far as what to get mom, she would probably be happy with just a long phone call, but why not go the extra mile for the woman who spent five hours baking your birthday cake or consoled you when that guy broke your 16-year old heart? Not a mom? You can give these things to yourself too, you know.

This is a brief collage of last-minute gift ideas should you find yourself without anything to give her on Sunday. Those on team mom, shift your eyesight just below where you will find a small slew of ideas, and don’t forget to show your appreciation and thank her for giving you a life which is more than anybody can ask.

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Starting top left: Acne Studios ponyhair baseball cap for those moments that you just want to have that extra shade. Moving down the ladder, Catbird stackable necklaces because You are My moon and Stars says just about everything. Who has time for a mani pedi these days? Let alone waiting for the polish to dry?  Hopefully somebody will cut you a break and give you the gift of time. This Butter LONDON black nail polish is awesome, get a similar one from NARS.

Middle row, on the top, the Jayson Home Burlap vase with the white roses inside is just the thing to make her smile. Did somebody mention rest? ZZZ right on this Calypso St. Barth skull rabbit pillow, no alarm clock needed. I was told by my dermatologist how important using face cream is especially now that the sun’s rays are known to be damaging to the skin, causing unwanted wrinkles. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay cream is just the magic potion you need.

And finally, spread the joy and light up the room with some black votives, tell everyone how much you love them with this Paris Love ring, curl up with a cool stack of DIOR books, have your freaking Magnum Ice Cream bar if you want, and call it a night. Because nobody deserves it more than you.

Here’s to mom.

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15 days ago • Accessories, Trends • Tags: , , , , ,

White On

With the official start of spring over and out, boots put away into storage, I can’t think of a cleaner more appropriate look right now than white shoes. Put an end to the debate whether or not white shoes are a thing. They are. Cobblestone streets in the concrete jungle can ruin the whitest of heel intentions without a doubt, and the likelihood of getting the shoes dirty is pretty high. But, dirty white shoes in treacherous conditions stand out, and make 99% of your outfit sharp and chic. Cue my Zara white soles paired with ripped Ksubi denim below or check out these Alexander McQueen bad boys. They tell tales of a forward-thinking pedestrian with places to go, and people to meet.

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But why white?

What am I talking about? Still not convinced? How about those Aussie girls photographed for their smart sartorial choices? Nude is so last summer, and black as a power statement shoe is so overplayed. It seems the 90′s are back in a big way, and this particular shoe hue – which was often deemed tacky and only for nurses– is making a comeback, particularly when paired with the color-blocking, geometric and neon trends of the season.

Let’s take a look at what’s in the marketplace.

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From top left going across: My favorite goes to the Acne lug sole both rugged and comfortable yet convincingly awesome at the same time. Although they are quite pricey, ranking in the highest price on the board, ten points for Acne on these. For a lower priced option, how about these Nasty Gal Feelin’ It Platform Wedges? Look 3, far right. Got a wedding? How about a bridal shower? These BCBGMAXAZRIA white sandals will do the trick.

Middle row first look is the Christian Louboutin Dos Noeud pump shown in white. Jump into the middle Charlotte Olympia kitty cat flats, and you can rock these day into night. Third Saint Laurent numbers are hot because well duh, they’re Saint Laurent. 

Moving down, I have a crush on these Topshop Flatforms. I actually like the contrasting black sole vs my white ones, and at $170.00 they are not going to break the bank. Speaking of Big Bottoms, how about these Jil Sander Navy Sneakers? They may be a bit ironic, but give you the height of heels without the discomfort and the high price tag, clocking in at a reasonable $550.00. And last but not least, if money is no object even on tax day, get these white classic Saint Laurent sneakers. Because sneakers are cool, white is hot, and you may even get a chance to hang with Yeezy.

White shoes get my vote. How about you?

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40 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , , , , , ,

By Nature

A recent appreciation for all lip adorned accoutrements, combined with the onset of Coachella , had me probing into other possible unique body accessories such as those that exist in nature. Recent harsh wintry-weather has plugged Mother Nature as the devil, but if there was ever a time for forgiveness, this is it. The temps will rise, the sun will shine, and soon all mid-April complaints will be washed away. So why not celebrate with Earth’s beautiful bounty?

The initial thought was that wearing feathers in our hair, or butterflies on our scalps would be a wash out. Not only for hard-core nature enthusiasts, the playing field has been leveled. There are flowers budding around us, hummingbirds knocking on our trees, and the smell of Manure fresh-cut grass just outside your window. Why can’t we wear our lips and hearts, ironic f*ck off bracelets, show off our swag, and show our love for Mother Nature? The jewelry and adornment of today isn’t your grandma’s strand of pearls. It’s in the details of the mélange below that might spark your fancy. See butterflies, ferns, and other leaf-like substances all for under $50.00!

Let’s acknowledge spring’s fresh beginnings.

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Collage by Carina Gupta

1. Alex and Ani Butterfly bangle

2. Kate Spade New York Crystal Stud Earrings

3. Amrita Singh Gold leaf Earrings

4. Oasis Leaf Double Ring

5. BCBG MAXAZRIA Leaf Headband

6. Hive & Honey Layered Leaf Stretch Bracelet

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42 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , , , , ,

Gucci Loafers

In high school I wanted those baby yellow suede Gucci loafers more than any other pair of shoes as far as I can remember. In fact, I had saved up petty cash in the name of babysitting for a number of months in order to get them into my closet as my mother refused to buy them. “How can you justify spending upwards of $595.00 (which back then was an exorbitant amount of money for a pair of shoes) on a pair of flats”? she would yelp from the kitchen. She knew the word flats would get me. I don’t know what it was about them that caused me deep angst. Maybe it was the fact that they were ubiquitous, yet so elite. And financially, they were way out of range for most 18-year-old teenagers. Seriously, most of my friends didn’t know what that horse-bit was. Timeless, discreet, and versatile I convinced myself I needed them. It was when Jodie Foster wore the preppy loafers in Candleshoe in 1977 that I knew they had to be mine. The exorbitant price? I didn’t care. In grand Italian tradition, I took the plunge and never looked back.

Gucci horsebit loafers

Gucci patent leather loafers, $525.00

Beloved by such bold-faced names as Sophia Loren and Jane Birkin, who famously wore the shoes with wide-legged pants and a barely there lace crop top, I wore mine all the time and thought I was a part of a special clan. I would brush the suede so they would look new, placed them delicately in their shoe bags, and when I stepped in dog poo, they went straight to the shoe maker. Until the day they literally fell apart, I cherished them, and was needless to say, devastated.

Gucci, long known for its leather goods, marks the 60th anniversary of the house’s iconic loafer this year.  The new version of the shoe, of my shoe, has kept its original features– the rounded toe, hand-stitching, and horse-bit hardware.

But here remain the question. As a loyal Gucci fan, do I take the plunge into one of the 45 new styles now available, or just live in the memories of yesteryear? Please impart your wisdom.

JF

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54 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , , ,

The Spring Boot

Today on Things I want, Most likely won’t get, but Secretly Crave–enter the gladiator sandal/boots from Alexander Wang that re-surfaced on the runways marking the debut of a controversial affair that has lasted for years. To gladiator, or to not. Last seen on the spring runways at Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs, and Proenza Schouler, these new versions of gladiators have distinctively cutting-edge features, clearly an explosive choice for a spring sandal. In all honesty, these might be quite difficult to pull off, and only those with mile-high legs can entertain these cut-away numbers (they have a 18-20″ shaft).

That being said, as far as accessories go, I just can’t put on those multi-colored Prada brogues and I know this will be a “key piece” for the season. As I was meandering around Bergdorf Goodman’s shoe department last week, I noticed a slew of them on the shelves but as far as I can see, nobody took the plunge. Graphic and Tron-like, I can’t wait to see these on the streets.

But how does one justify spending upwards of $1,200 on a pair of super striking boots only made for a glamazon?

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 Alexander Wang Marta Knee-High Boots 

While some of you may hold a grudge against the spring boot trend, take note, they certainly make quite the statement. Check out these pink versions by Jimmy Choo.

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61 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , , , ,

Inside Lulu Frost’s Studio

I always enjoy going up to preview designer’s collection and especially having the privilege to meet them one-on-one. Last week I went up to Lulu Frost’s loft-like showroom and spent time with Lisa Salzar and her vintage-inspired necklaces and retro-chic jewels. What resonated with me is the combination of antique, vintage, and modern elements that comprise the collection. I call it modern with a vintage twist, or Vindern, how I would define Lulu Frost’s latest jewelry collection on Definer, my latest new addictive iPhone app. For those of you uninitiated, Definer is just like photo-sharing Instagram, except instead of streaming photos, it’s a mobile army of metaphors. Please feel free to follow me if you like silly made-up werds. It really is a lot of fun.

Back on Lulu Frost’s turf, she really has an incredible eye and a visual sense of style. No wonder, duh, she studied Art History in college and her family has been in the estate jewelry business for generations. Salzar has seamlessly combined her passion for art history with her knack for jewelry design. Art Deco, Victorian and Surrealism are all referenced in her creations. Check out the looks from her special drawers, my wrist covered in bamboo and resin, her workroom, and all the new designs from her latest collection Let’s Bring Back here:

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And until March 24th, grab her FW ’13 Milky Way earrings on Moda Operandi (my personal favorites) while they’re hot.

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All photos taken by me. Edited by Orlando Loredo

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68 days ago • Accessories • Tags: , ,

Lip Service

The eyes are the mirror to the soul. Feet are smelly after a long winter of being stuffed into socks and boots. But lips are one of the first things we notice on a face, so its important to keep them healthy and kissable. Honestly, today is National “Lips Appreciation Day” and what a better way to celebrate this auspicious occasion than a bunch of lips?
Lips are an amazing thing. They purse, they pout, they bleed, they get fat…but best of all, they KISS!  There are thin lips, pouty ones, red ones, pink ones, glossy, and lips that are au natural. Personally, I have thin lips that I plump with lipstick, not needles, that is only the fault of heredity. And yes, I would die to have Angelina Jolie’s pout! But instead of pouting, I wear my lips on my sleeve, or in this case, on my chest, my phone case, or on my neck.
How will you celebrate Lips Appreciation Day?
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Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone case, Lanvin necklace, Fresh Sugar-tinted lip gloss, 3.1 Phillip Lim Cropped Lip Pullover, Diane Von Furstenberg Black leather Lizardskin Lips Purse, Christian Louboutin Sandals, get a similar pair at Pierre Hardy here
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70 days ago • Accessories, Trends • Tags: , , , ,

Slouchy Beanies

Yesterday I tweeted that I once I find something on my hunt for fashionable finds, it no longer appeals to me as a purchase, but rather the thrill of the hunt itself that is so satisfying. Like a predator that feeds on its prey, an animal finally gets their plat complet and this often ends in death. For me, it is procuring that item that I find so satisfying, not the actual purchase. This goes back to my editorial days when the fashion department would call in copious amounts of items for the monthly issues we were styling. That said, there are certain items that I do not overlook and cannot live without (see white boots, pastel bags), no matter how long these items remain in my cart.

During fashion week, I was craving a neon beanie. Most of my outfits were black, white, or a shade of grey and all I needed was a pop of color. I did not own one, but everybody else seem to show up with a highlighted head. The beauty of the beanie is that it will never go out of style, and they give your noggin’ the warmth and über-cool factor it deserves.

Whether you crave the neon version or the  pom-pom variety, here are beanies for your shopping pleasure. And to top it off, get it?, everything is on sale and under $60.00!

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From left: Asos grey beanie for $10.00!, Wildfox peace beanie for $50.00, Asos beanie under $12.00 FTW.

Bottom right: Marc by Marc Jacobs pom-pom beanie for $60.00, Topshop skater beanie for $20.00, Asos pom-pom beanie, $8.00

Stay warm and be cool. February is almost over.

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91 days ago • Accessories, Trends • Tags: , ,

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